Priestland named for England/NZ series

Bath Rugby fly-half Rhys Priestland has been named in an experienced 35-man squad to face England at Twickenham and the All Blacks in New Zealand this summer.

Priestland is joined in the squad by next season's Club recruits Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau.

Led by captain Sam Warburton, the squad will link up later this month and will face England on Sunday May 29th before heading to the Southern Hemisphere, for a four-match (three-Test) tour, the following day.

With an average of over 30 Test caps per player that experience will be vital when facing both the RBS 6 Nations holders and then the World Champions according to Head Coach Warren Gatland.

“We have picked a squad that is packed full of experience for what is going to be a challenging, but exciting five match campaign,” said Gatland. “We will be facing the Six Nations Champions at Twickenham first up and that will be an important start to the tour and will set the tone for the weeks ahead.

“We will have a bit of time together when we land in New Zealand before the first Test then its into three Test matches against the All Blacks plus a midweek match against the Chiefs.

“It is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves, build on the World Cup and the Six Nations and it’s a challenge we are all looking forward to. We “We are in a great position in terms of the experience in the squad especially when you look at the age of most of the players and this is going to be another important summer.”